Scott Morrison backs nuclear power and protectionist US tariffs

The former PM says he expects to see multiple nuclear power stations in Australia within his lifetime, speaking at an event alongside Kevin Rudd, Mike Pence, Mike Pompeo and Kellyanne Conway.

Scott Morrison speaks during an event promoting his new book at the Australian Embassy in Washington. Picture: Samuel Corum

Scott Morrison expects to see multiple nuclear power stations in Australia within his lifetime and has defended the push for higher tariffs in the US by both Democrats and Republicans as “entirely reasonable”.

The former prime minister, speaking in Washington on Wednesday evening (Thursday AEST), said the reality of the “post globalisation economy” meant nations would inevitably increase tariffs in response to unfair Chinese competition, playing down any negative impact on Australia.

“I think it’s entirely reasonable that a country, which is operating in what I call our sphere, takes that response,” Mr Morrison said in an interview with The Australian, in response to a question about the potential impact of higher global tariffs on Australia. Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump has promised a 10 per cent tariffs on all US imports if elected, while president Joe Biden last week slapped a range of high tariffs on Chinese imports, in particular electric vehicles.

Former US vice-president Mike Pence. Picture: Samuel Corum

Former presidential advisor Kellyanne Conway.

Mr Morrison was speaking at the Washington launch of his memoir, Plans for Your Good – A Prime Minister’s Testimony of Faithfulness, alongside ambassador Kevin Rudd, former vice-president Mike Pence, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, and former Donald Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway.

Mr Morrison, who spoke about the importance of his Christian faith, the subject of his new book, was in good spirits as he mingled with attendees at the exclusive event at the new Australian embassy in Washington.

Australian Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd speaks during the event. Picture: Samuel Corum

Mr Rudd and Mr Morrison in the past engaged in a bitter war of words, but all of that was put aside at the launch, where Mr Rudd spoke about the importance of the former PM’s book, because talking about Christianity was “often not a popular thing to do”.

Conservative Republican senator James Langford was also in attendance. The three senior Republicans, Pence, Conway and Pompeo, spoke warmly about their interactions with Mr Morrison, triggered in part by their Christian faith, when they were in office during the Trump administration.

“Because we’re here tonight to talk about God, only Scott Morrison could bring together such a broad church,” Mr Rudd said.

Mr Morrison, who refused to be drawn on domestic political matters, including the budget, said small-scale nuclear power stations were desirable and inevitable in Australia.

“I do think public opinion in changing,” he told The Australian. “I hope we see many these reactors in our future, I think they are a big part of our energy future; and I would hope, at some point, the policy becomes bipartisan,” he added.

Mr Morrison said that although “we spent a large part of our time on opposite sides of the fence” the one thing they shared was their faith.

“While we come together like this, it’s very injurious to our political reputations back home, but I think tonight is a great opportunity to share the things that mean the most to us,” Mr Morrison said.

Mr Morrison was speaking after a meeting with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in Trump Tower, in which the former president gave a powerful signal that he would back the AUKUS plan to acquire US nuclear-powered submarines if he becomes president,

A meeting between the two former leaders in New York focused on the growing strategic threat posed by China in the Pacific and the need to deter Beijing from continued military aggression against Taiwan.

Mr Morrison said Mr Trump was “in good spirits and appreciated the visit, especially amid the issues he is currently dealing with in New York”.

“In this context, I discussed how the AUKUS agreement played a critical role, which I was pleased was a view shared by former president Trump … There was a welcome level of comfort about AUKUS in our discussion”.

“I have no doubt that that would be something that he would be able to address … I don’t think the Trump administration would fail on that score,” he said.

The former prime minister, who has advocated for Australia’s defence spending to rise to the equivalent of 2.5 per cent of GDP, defended Mr Trump’s critical attitude to defence spending by other US allies.

“He’s accused of being isolationist. No, he just has a strong view about people not taking a lot from the US, yes, free riders,” Mr Morrison said.

Mr Morrison denied the cost of the AUKUS security pact would require increased taxation in ­Australia.